Photo via Facebook/ เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket

A British national, Lee Terry Obrien, was taken into custody in Phuket on January 11 after a viral video showed him violating local traffic laws. The footage, initially released by Newshawk Phuket, captured Obrien driving along a traffic island and engaging in reckless behavior on Thepkasattri Road, Thalang district. The incident occurred on January 10, sparking widespread social media attention due to its dangerous nature.

Obrien, 24, was seen maneuvering a yellow off-road Jeep with three companions amidst heavy traffic. This reckless act led to further law infractions, as one witness reported him urinating on the road, a claim supported by a circulated photo. Additionally, some netizens noted his high-speed driving and near accidents prior to his arrest. The vehicle was intercepted by police after being spotted again on the same road the following day, this time with five occupants.

Upon stopping the vehicle, the officers conducted an alcohol breath test, which returned negative. However, Obrien tested positive for methamphetamine (Yaba), prompting charges under multiple legal provisions. He faces charges for driving under the influence, use of a Category 1 drug, and public indecency, carrying potential penalties of up to one year in prison and fines reaching 20,000 baht.

This case echoes previous incidents in Phuket where foreign individuals have been criticized for reckless driving. Although similar violations involving motorcyclists were captured on video, the outcomes regarding legal actions were not publicly disclosed.

As the case progresses, authorities are expected to proceed with the legal process against Obrien. Given the attention this case has garnered, it may serve as a stern reminder to tourists about adhering to local laws. Obrien’s arrest also underscores the ongoing challenges that law enforcement faces in managing traffic behavior, especially that of foreign visitors, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• Lee Terry Obrien, a British national, was arrested in Phuket for traffic violations and drug use.

• He faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence and public indecency.

• The incident highlights challenges in managing tourist behavior on local roads.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-12

 

 

What an idiot.

Utter 🔔🔚

British and Russian garbage in Phuket. This place is doomed.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

He faces charges for driving under the influence, use of a Category 1 drug, and public indecency, carrying potential penalties of up to one year in prison and fines reaching 20,000 baht.

Hopefully they give him maximum for both. After serving and paying, deport!

Don't copy Thai driving style!

What a complete moron - hopefully a really hard sentence that is widely publicised in the UK press might deter others from doing the same (said more in hope than expectation!)

Lock the fool up for 12 months,most likely save a few lives and keep him off 'Yabah'

He faces charges for driving under the influence, use of a Category 1 drug, and public indecency, carrying potential penalties of up to one year in prison and fines reaching 20,000 baht.

A year in the slammer with some new friends should help himgrow-up

Thailand seems to have a reputation overseas as an "anything goes" country. To the extent there are freely available drugs, girls, and an indulgent police force maybe. But they don't understand that if there is the slightest chance of unearned income, the cops are on it like a flash. Where that's expect 500 baht fingers, foreigners would pay ten times that.

Thai prisons are there to punish, not rehabilitate.

The Authorities need to make a example of him sending out a message to other tourists thinking of doing the same big fine then deported

Good for plod. Another self entitled prick who demonstrates contempt for Thailand by choosing to do exactly as he wants legal or not. Taking drugs is no and excuse but increases the punishment he should face by putting his passengers and the other road users at risk. He should be taught a lesson in a dark cell where he’ll learn his behaviour isn’t acceptable, used as an example to demonstrate Thailand won’t tolerate <deleted> and deported in a blaze of publicity.

Need a poll as to who are the worst - Russians or Brits? Both seem to have a screw loose or two so it could be a toss up.

6 minutes ago, jimgilly said:

Need a poll as to who are the worst - Russians or Brits? Both seem to have a screw loose or two so it could be a toss up.

Start one then

On 1/13/2026 at 1:31 AM, BMW Overlander said:

British and Russian garbage in Phuket. This place is doomed.

Don’t forget the arabs 👍